England Coach Southee Uncertain on Ashes Availability

England fast-bowling advisor Tim Southee is still working through the extent of his role will be during the forthcoming Ashes series in Australia.

The ex- New Zealand seamer is only likely to be present for the first Test because of his participation in the International League T20 tournament, which starts on 2 December in the UAE.

The 36-year-old, aged 36, assumed a position as England's fast bowling consultant in the warmer months after claiming 391 wickets in 107 Tests for the Kiwis.

Commenting as the English squad for the opening of three T20 matches against New Zealand was announced, Southee stated of his availability: "We're still working through the situation at the present time.

"We'll see the outcome over the next little while."

English bowling legend Stuart Broad had declared the Australia side as their "worst team since 2010", but Southee was in little doubt over the anticipated challenge during the contest, which begins on 21 November.

"I don't think there's at any time a poor Aussie side," Southee remarked.

"The team's attention is squarely on our own objectives. I think the quality of [England's] team that's heading out to Australia is brilliant.

"It ought to be an absolute cracker, the Ashes. Not only [are|do] English and Australian people looking forward to it, I think the entire cricketing community is."

However, prior to the English team travel to the city of Perth for the first Ashes match, they take on New Zealand in the city of Christchurch on Saturday.

England's Playing XI v New Zealand:

• Phil Salt

• Jos Buttler

• Bethell

• Harry Brook (c)

• Banton

• Curran

• Cox

• Carse

• Liam Dawson

• Rashid

• Luke Wood